Summary

Overview

Work History

Education

Skills

Languages

References

Timeline

Hector Castellanos

Casa Grande,AZ

Summary

Multidisciplinary artist, educator, and community organizer from Arizona with over five years of experience leading culturally responsive programs rooted in storytelling, creative expression, and community healing. As a first-generation leader, I’ve facilitated workshops across public schools, libraries, and nonprofit spaces, blending poetry, photography, visual arts, and emerging tech like AI to engage youth in both rural and urban settings. My work spans curriculum development, mural coordination, media production, and grassroots organizing—driven by a long-term vision to build the resources and creative infrastructure I didn’t have growing up. I thrive in collaborative environments, especially those committed to youth development, cultural equity, and lasting community impact.

Overview

years of professional experience

Work History

Media & Community Arts Lead

CASA Community Development Co

Phoenix, Arizona

03.2024 - Current

Lead media production and storytelling for CASA’s community programs, capturing photography and video to document grassroots impact
Co-led visual arts and literacy programming at AIM Right Ministries, including workshops, community book fairs, and youth engagement events
Collaborated with a small team to support event planning, volunteer coordination, and creative programming across multiple community partnerships
Designed and facilitated a neighborhood photo booth and community zine project spotlighting local stories in the Garfield District

Creative Educator & Program Designer

Mesa Arts Center

Mesa, Arizona

03.2023 - Current

Developed a multi-week curriculum blending AI tools, poetry, literacy, and visual arts for youth ages 13–18
Designed lesson plans centered on identity, self-expression, and community storytelling through both written and visual mediums
Introduced students to creative technology including education in AI programs and basic videography to enhance narrative skills
Facilitated classroom sessions using journaling, group discussions, and media projects to support diverse learning styles
Collaborated with Mesa Arts Center and Lit Ink staff to ensure programming remained culturally relevant and youth-centered

Lead Teaching Artist

Phonetic Spit Inc.

phoenix, AZ

07.2021 - Current

Facilitated poetry and performance workshops for youth across public schools, Boys & Girls Clubs, and the Phoenix Public Library
Designed and led sessions that supported identity exploration, emotional literacy, and self-expression through writing and spoken word
Integrated SEL practices such as journaling, reflection prompts, and group dialogue to promote emotional safety and confidence
Adapted workshop flow and structure to fit school-day residencies, after-school programs, and drop-in library settings
Helped students develop original poems and performance pieces while fostering community, trust, and creative risk-taking
Created and implemented innovative arts-integration initiatives to enhance students' learning experiences.

Community Organizer

Raze/Raza

Casa Grande, Arizona

06.2024 - 06.2025

Collaborated with various organizations to expand resources and services available to Pinal county community.
Identified potential partnerships with other organizations to expand services available in the area.
Designed and implemented evaluation systems for measuring program success.
Created materials such as flyers, brochures, and newsletters to promote initiatives in the neighborhood.
Generated reports summarizing activities conducted within the community.
Represented organization at conferences, trainings, networking events.
Monitored progress of initiatives and projects through regular communication with partners or participants.
Developed strategies for addressing root causes of social problems in the area.
Coordinated logistics for public forums, workshops, rallies, demonstrations.
Recruited and trained volunteers for special projects or events.
Researched and analyzed existing conditions, trends, and needs of the community.
Organized meetings and facilitated conversations with community members.
Participated in local government meetings to ensure that concerns of the community were addressed.
Tracked data using spreadsheets to record pledges, phone calls and canvassing.

School-Based SEL Program Assistant

Cartwright School District